Senior Concerns' 23rd annual wine, dinner and auction event, "The Ultimate Dining Experience," earned a record $195,000 last month to help fund the nonprofit agency's social services that benefit frail elderly and special needs seniors and their caregiver families in Ventura and west Los Angeles counties.

"We exceeded last year's net receipts by $43,000," said Carol Freeman, Senior Concerns president, "remarkable testimony to the efforts of UDE committee members Andrea Gallagher and Sue Lambert and our whole board, and the continuing generosity of our individual and business contributors who recognize and enthusiastically support the many critical services we have provided to our elder community since 1975."

More than 400 people attended the Hyatt Westlake Plaza event, which showcased courses prepared by chefs of local fine restaurants and fine wines from local wineries.

More than $17,000 was brought in for the Fund A Need Program, which offers individual sponsorship of a local senior in need with donations of $100 to $1,000.

The event included silent and live auctions featuring vacation getaways, collectibles, art, gourmet dinners and custom gift baskets. An opportunity drawing was held for a Raymond Weil man's watch.

Senior Concerns services include an adult day center and recreation club, Meals on Wheels, information and referral service, elder abuse services, Alzheimer's center, hospital shuttle service and informational seminars for caregivers.

For more information, call (805) 497-0189 or visit www.seniorconcerns.org.